Bottom line: In face of this tribulation we need unity - to stop tearing each other apart and work together. To do that, we have to start with gratitude

I am happy to be back with you after the aneurysm repair surgery. I am deeply grateful to Fr. Tim Sauer for taking my place the last two weekends.

He mentioned that he is a senior or retired priest. As I faced a significant surgery I was grateful to not be retired, but to have you as my parish family. I experienced wonderful support from you. Many of you have had serious illnesses and know the loneliness that accompanies them. Your care and prayers mean more than I can express.

Part of this care you express in Stewardship. It makes possible the priest medical program which enabled me to have the surgery. Speaking of Stewardship, this Sunday we will have a testimony right after this homily.

The Gospels for the last two Sundays speak about total self-giving: the great commandments to love God and neighbor. And the widow's two coins that represent all she had to live on. Our readings from Hebrews tells about Jesus giving all for us. You know, there's no way you and I can repay Jesus. As we heard last Sunday:

Just as it is appointed that human beings die once, and after this the judgment, so also Christ, offered once to take away the sins of many...

One day you and I will stand before each with no shame, nothing to hide, not because of any personal righteousness but because of Jesus' perfect sacrifice. We'll have some trials before that day arrives. Today Jesus warns about the coming "tribulation". Here's what the Catechism has to say:

"Before Christ's second coming the Church must pass through a final trial that will shake the faith of many believers. The persecution that accompanies her pilgrimage on earth will unveil the 'mystery of iniquity' in the form of a religious deception offering men an apparent solution to their problems at the price of apostasy from the truth." (#675)

In face of this tribulation we need unity - to stop tearing each other apart and work together. To do that, we have to start with gratitude - to God and for each other. This leads to sharing of our gifts: time, abilities and financial resources. To give a testimony to Stewardship for our parish, I would like to now call forward...

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